Talk: Theatrical Roofscapes: Ceramic shards ornamentation of traditional Chinese architecture in Singapore

The roof ridges of historic Chinese temples in Singapore are typically adorned with colourful ceramic shards ornamentation in the form of figurines, fauna, and flora. Such ornamentations are known as qiàncí (嵌瓷) or “embedded ceramics”, and can be seen in both Teochew and Hokkien architecture, albeit with subtle differences. The more contemporary term jiǎnnián (剪黏) or “cut and paste”, popularised by Taiwanese authors on the subject, is also often used to describe the craft.

Teochew ceramic shards ornamentation, in particular, is characterised by its theatrics and flamboyance which gave rise to the colloquial saying: 厝角头有戏出 (Teochew: cu3 gag4 tao5 u6 hi3 cug4; English: There is a play at the corner of the house), in reference to the lively figurative ornamentation on the roofs of Teochew buildings that are akin to opera performances. In Singapore, the roof of Wak Hai Cheng Bio (粤海清庙,Yueh Hai Ching Temple) is known for the extensive use of such ornamentation to create a lively, bustling scene. Beyond temples, this craft can also be seen in Haw Par Villa’s sculptures, as well as the façade decoration on shophouses.

In this talk, Dr Yeo Kang Shua will provide a broad overview of the craft, its development and gradual demise in Singapore.